What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gate
Episode Two in the serial "Boreal and John Grey".
Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now the elves are back.
With the first evidence of the gates between the worlds opening, Ella enlists Finn's help to stave off the increased Shade attacks and try to figure out how to stop the elves from invading. But she cannot imagine what will arrive through the gates, killing and wreaking havoc long before the elves cross, or how her new partner will affect her life. On top of that, Finn is keeping his own secrets -- secrets that might change everything before the end.
Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now the elves are back.
With the first evidence of the gates between the worlds opening, Ella enlists Finn's help to stave off the increased Shade attacks and try to figure out how to stop the elves from invading. But she cannot imagine what will arrive through the gates, killing and wreaking havoc long before the elves cross, or how her new partner will affect her life. On top of that, Finn is keeping his own secrets -- secrets that might change everything before the end.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2013
About the author
Chrystalla Thoma
47 books211 followersAuthor with a penchant for dark myths and good food. I have proven my tendency to settle down anywhere but at home.
I like to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. I write fantasy and science fiction.
I like to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. I write fantasy and science fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 24, 2017
And the plot thickens! Ella and Finn are now working together to halt the sudden Shade onslaught, however we learn that there is a lot more to it as large beasts start to prowl the streets. The Aelfar are coming and the new duo must do everything they can to try to keep things from getting worse and to try to stop it entirely.
Along the way we learn more about the mythology of the elves and their interactions with humans. As you can guess, it's not really a happy history lesson and it's full of mystery. Something is terribly off about what Ella learns, but there is just not enough info given yet to piece it all together.
Our fierce heroine is jerked through the ringer again, and I have to say that going on no sleep and little food, the girl is doing a great job. Her mind is being smacked repeatedly with questions and the biggest of all is, what is Finn?
We get a cliffhanger ending with this second installment which I am not fond of, but I can't say that I am too worried about it because Ella is a levelheaded character who won't do anything too brash.
I am interested to see where Thoma is going to take this story so I will definitely be continuing it. It has everything I could ever want in a novel. A kick ass female MC, action, mystery, mythology come to life, hints of possible romance, and last but not least, dragons. DRAGONS. Enough said.
Along the way we learn more about the mythology of the elves and their interactions with humans. As you can guess, it's not really a happy history lesson and it's full of mystery. Something is terribly off about what Ella learns, but there is just not enough info given yet to piece it all together.
Our fierce heroine is jerked through the ringer again, and I have to say that going on no sleep and little food, the girl is doing a great job. Her mind is being smacked repeatedly with questions and the biggest of all is, what is Finn?
We get a cliffhanger ending with this second installment which I am not fond of, but I can't say that I am too worried about it because Ella is a levelheaded character who won't do anything too brash.
I am interested to see where Thoma is going to take this story so I will definitely be continuing it. It has everything I could ever want in a novel. A kick ass female MC, action, mystery, mythology come to life, hints of possible romance, and last but not least, dragons. DRAGONS. Enough said.
July 8, 2018
See my review of the complete Boreal and John Grey Season 1 collection including The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth.
February 12, 2013
The Gate is the second installment of the Boreal and John Grey series. Like it's predecessor, it's an action-packed urban fantasy tale. This book picks up right where the last one left off and invites us to follow along with Ella on her first day as she officially teams up with Finn in an ancient war.
Speaking of Finn, he's one of the most interesting characters I've read about in a while. His stoic, no-nonsense attitude leads to some very memorable and entertaining situations. It's really fun seeing Ella interact Finn, and for me, a major draw to this series. With each new book, I find myself wanting to know more about the secretive Finn, as well as Ella, who also has plenty of mystery surrounding her.
I've never been very interested in the urban fantasy genre. But the mash up of urban environments and battles against supernatural forces descended from Norse-mythology has got my attention. Count me in for Book Three.
4.5 Stars for the solid-writing, awesome characters, world-building, brilliant action, and witty humor.
Speaking of Finn, he's one of the most interesting characters I've read about in a while. His stoic, no-nonsense attitude leads to some very memorable and entertaining situations. It's really fun seeing Ella interact Finn, and for me, a major draw to this series. With each new book, I find myself wanting to know more about the secretive Finn, as well as Ella, who also has plenty of mystery surrounding her.
I've never been very interested in the urban fantasy genre. But the mash up of urban environments and battles against supernatural forces descended from Norse-mythology has got my attention. Count me in for Book Three.
4.5 Stars for the solid-writing, awesome characters, world-building, brilliant action, and witty humor.
May 22, 2015
I won a copy of "Episode One" in Elle Casey's 2013 Springtime Indie Book Giveaway, and the author graciously provided me with this, "Episode Two", as well.
And I'm so glad she did! This is a great continuation, answering a few questions but opening up even more of them. I still like how visceral and violent this world is, with its elements of hard-boiled police fiction, combined with magic and elves and the deepening Norse mythology. I still feel like I don't know the POV character, Ella, very well, but this is getting better slowly and I trust the author will give more in "Episode Three", which I will definitely be picking up. I'm not sure how I feel about the short-form "Episodes" being released separately like this, but I do want to see what happens next!
And I'm so glad she did! This is a great continuation, answering a few questions but opening up even more of them. I still like how visceral and violent this world is, with its elements of hard-boiled police fiction, combined with magic and elves and the deepening Norse mythology. I still feel like I don't know the POV character, Ella, very well, but this is getting better slowly and I trust the author will give more in "Episode Three", which I will definitely be picking up. I'm not sure how I feel about the short-form "Episodes" being released separately like this, but I do want to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews